Today marks nine years since the passing of Albert Johnson, better known to the world as Prodigy — one half of the iconic Queensbridge duo Mobb Deep. Known for his gritty voice, unfiltered storytelling, and a lyrical style that helped define 90s East Coast hip hop, Prodigy’s influence remains deeply embedded in the culture.
As one of the architects behind classics like The Infamous and Hell On Earth, Prodigy brought raw, street-level perspective to every verse, turning pain into poetry and giving voice to a generation of inner-city youth. But beyond the music, Prodigy was also known for his unique sense of style, seamlessly blending streetwear aesthetics with his own personal flair.
From custom bootleg Hennessy jerseys to early collaborations with streetwear powerhouse Supreme, Prodigy made fashion statements that resonated just as loudly as his rhymes. His extensive headwear rotation; snapbacks, skullys, bandanas, became an unofficial part of his signature look and a staple of 90s hip hop style.
Today, we don’t just mourn a legend; we celebrate his life, his words, and his influence that continues to echo through both music and fashion. Rest in power, Prodigy.
10. (6/2014) Styling in Paris with this very black-and-proud Africa tee while performing at Le Trianon.
9. (1/2002) That time Diddy brought Mobb Deep to the shiny suit side alongside 112 for the Infamy album single “Hey Luv (Anything),” but both dudes still managed to keep their Queens-bred edge. Prodigy had on the ill jacket toward the end, too!
8. (7/2013) Hanging at Max Fish in the Lower East Side of New York City with XGames, pairing a graphic-heavy adidas tee with a matching camo bucket.
7. (10/2016) This super ill camo apron he wore in the promo photos for his cookbook Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook.
6. (6/2011) Seen here rocking this vintage Le Coq Sportif crewneck while hanging with Mobb Deep partner Havoc and G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks backstage at HOT 97 Summer Jam 2011.
5. (4/1993) Where it all began: rocking all-black-everything and wheat Timbs on the cover of Mobb Deep’s debut LP Juvenile Hell. Been fly since the late teens!
4. (06/2017) Draped in vintage Michael Jackson tee vibes while hitting the stage with Havoc for HOT 97 Summer Jam 2017, just a week before his death.
3. (5/2016) Celebrating Cazal’s 40th Anniversary in New York City
2. (2/1995) This custom Hennessy football jersey he had on in the “Shook Ones, Pt. II” music video that had everybody in the ’90s on their custom gear steez. You can even buy your own version right now by clicking here.
1. (6/2011) Popping up on a coveted Supreme collab tee, which dropped a few months after Prodigy was released from a prison stint that went on to influence his best-selling memoir My Infamous Life
R.I.P. Prodigy! May your legacy live on through all the platforms that you influenced.